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Published 12 May, 2026
I never expected something as simple as matching swim shorts to become such an important part of my relationship with my son.
When Michelle first suggested the business idea 15 years ago, I thought it was a fun concept. What I didn’t understand at the time was the emotional impact it would have.
It was Tom's first Father's Day when Michelle went looking for a present and tried to find a pair of matching father and son swim shorts for us to wear together. Failing to find anything she really liked, the idea of Tom & Teddy was born.
It was Tom's first Father's Day when Michelle went looking for a present and tried to find a pair of matching father and son swim shorts for us to wear together. Failing to find anything she really liked, the idea of Tom & Teddy was born.
As Tom grew older, matching became a natural part of our life together.
Living in Singapore, we spent long days around the pool, and whenever I got ready to swim, Tom would get increasingly excited about us wearing the same shorts.
It was fascinating to watch because it had very little to do with the clothing itself.
It was about the time together that came with it
Over time those shorts became woven into our family memories. Condo pool afternoons, beach holidays, family photographs we still scroll back through today. Tom is 16 now and still wears his Tom & Teddies — though these days he's perhaps a little less enthusiastic about matching with his father.
As Tom grew older, matching became a natural part of our life together.
Living in Singapore, we spent long days around the pool, and whenever I got ready to swim, Tom would get increasingly excited about us wearing the same shorts.
It was fascinating to watch because it had very little to do with the clothing itself.
It was about the time together that came with it
Over time those shorts became woven into our family memories. Condo pool afternoons, beach holidays, family photographs we still scroll back through today. Tom is 16 now and still wears his Tom & Teddies — though these days he's perhaps a little less enthusiastic about matching with his father.
Research consistently shows that children value time and connection with their parents far more than material things. In a world shaped by screens, distraction and packed schedules, shared experiences feel more important than ever.
We've heard this from so many families. And some of the most meaningful photographs we receive now aren't just fathers and sons — they're grandfathers, fathers and grandsons, all in the same print. There's something quietly powerful about seeing that connection continue across generations.
Research consistently shows that children value time and connection with their parents far more than material things. In a world shaped by screens, distraction and packed schedules, shared experiences feel more important than ever.
We've heard this from so many families. And some of the most meaningful photographs we receive now aren't just fathers and sons — they're grandfathers, fathers and grandsons, all in the same print. There's something quietly powerful about seeing that connection continue across generations.
That, more than anything, is what Tom & Teddy has come to represent for me. Not simply matching swimwear — but the memories and shared experiences that happen while families are wearing them.
That's the part of the story I'll always love most.
That, more than anything, is what Tom & Teddy has come to represent for me. Not simply matching swimwear — but the memories and shared experiences that happen while families are wearing them.
That's the part of the story I'll always love most.
